Chiara Petrioli, CEO of WSense, is revolutionizing blue tech through the innovative ‘Internet of Underwater Things.’ This cutting-edge technology facilitates wireless communication at depths of up to 3,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface. It’s no wonder that European investors are keen to support this venture.
One of the significant challenges for European startups in blue technology is securing investors who truly grasp its potential. However, WSense, an Italian deep-tech company, has navigated these waters exceptionally well.
Recently, WSense successfully raised €11 million in funding, surpassing their initial goal of €6 million. This achievement was bolstered by the spotlight they gained after winning the esteemed BlueInvest Award in 2022.
The company has developed what they refer to as the “Internet of Underwater Things,” enabling wireless data exchange at considerable depths. Their patented technologies find applications in a variety of sectors, including energy, aquaculture, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Leading this remarkable journey is Chiara Petrioli, the visionary founder and CEO, who has transformed WSense from a spin-off of Rome’s Sapienza University into a flourishing business with a team of 50 skilled professionals, operating across Italy, Norway, and the UK.
As a renowned professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Petrioli is celebrated for her contributions to her field, being one of the most cited researchers and recipient of several prestigious innovation awards.
In a recent interview, Chiara Petrioli discusses the hurdles of finding appropriate investors in the deep-tech space. She highlights how winning the BlueInvest Award significantly enhanced WSense’s visibility within the ocean tech investment community, playing a crucial role in their fundraising accomplishment.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
